Melafix: pros & cons..opinions/experience?

[jameshilljr]

I have used Melafix to help heal up shredded fins on certain cichlids that were being harassed(which it worked great)-unfortunately it seemed like the Melafix caused a mini-cycle(maybe it was just coincidental)in my 55g.

 

[beblondie]

melafix and pimafix are best used as a preventative not a cure usually once an infection sets in you need real medicine

 

[Edj05]

I have used MelaFix to promote regrowth of finnage on guppies & bettas. The fancy guppies had shredded tails from harassing each other (males), and the bettas had some damage from fin rot. It seemed to work well and had no noticeable side-effects.

 

[sinner41265]

I tried it once. It didn't work for me. I think it's the aquarium equivalent to chicken soup.

 

[Nolapete]

I love it for treating smaller things like fin wounds that need a little extra help to ward off infections or for persistent fin rot. I don't think that it would be as effective for something more extreme like Ich.

Neither Melafix nor Pimafix are for parasitic infestations like ich. They make no claims to be for that.

A lot of people claim that they don't work. I suspect that they don't follow the directions and treat for 7 days. It is also known and documented that they only kill certain bacteria not all, so if it doesn't kill the bacteria your fish are infected with then of course it won't work.

I've had mixed results. I think it's great for cuts, abrasions, fungus deterrant, and torn fins. For serious illness, I think you have to use something specific to the disease.

 

[Nora]

:goldfish:Thank you all for the input :goldfish:
So far the opinions seem to indicate that the preventative, or first response usage with fish is the most effective, I will say that I have used it to good effect with what appeared to be an ick sort of issue with guppies, following directions regarding length of dosage, water changes & then some as the fish were sort of secondary inhabitants in that set up and I followed two courses of treatment.

Other than possible ineffectiveness, any issues with biofiltration balance noticed by anyone?
Jameshilljr...I too have experienced an apparent drop in benefical bacteria in my canister system - wasn't handling the typical bioload and required more frequent water changes to handle waste, but wondered if that was just me or if it was caused by something else...